AmyB

Hi all,

It's been 7 months since Spencer made the trip to the Rainbow Bridge & I've been thinking about adding a new furbabe (or 2) to my life. I'm thinking I'd like to find a dog or possibly a pair, preferably young adults, but no more than 5 or so years old. I got both Sadie & Spencer as pups, so the rescue thing is new to me. A few questions for those of you have adopted rescues:

-Is there anything in particular to look for or avoid when considering a dog?
-If not already a pair, is it better to adopt 1 dog & add a second later, or
adopt 2 at the same time?
-So many rescued dogs have been treated for heartworm. Does this have any
lasting effects on the health of the dog?
-Any suggestions or advice for me?

I've been regularly visiting the Guardian Angel Basset Rescue & the Ohio Basset Hound Rescue websites. Does anyone know of any other rescue organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area? I should add that I would like to wait until about mid-June to actually bring any dog(s) home. I'm a teacher & think that since I am home during the summer, it would be best to wait until then, so I can be home full-time to help them adjust.

Thanks for any info/suggestions/advice.

Amy

I can't resist adding one of my fave pics of Spencer...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/50345658@N03/5146416075/

__________________
Amy, mom to
Sadie (ATB, 6/9/06) & Spencer (ATB, 8/19/10) - always in my heart
and Clifford (gotcha date 7/2/11).

Mr. Woofus

We adopted Woofus and can say that he's been a lot of work. Saying that, he was abused and had many problems that we were willing to deal with. I think you should have an idea of what you're willing to deal with (ie if you only want a really easy going dog or one you have to work with) and ask your local rescue. But my best advice...don't even try. Cause the hound will pick you Go to your rescue a couple of times and you'll have one that will call you their own.

Wworm

Wow, that is great that you are thinking of adopting... can't help you with the adoption ??s.

But wanted to say what a nice picture of Spencer that is. He has such nice features. Worm wants to know, "How did he stand that way? I can't seem to do it...???"

vonny01

I have three adopted hounds

We are in the Uk so no idea about the Heartworm issue.


Either a bonded pair or adopt separately would be fine,mine were adopted singly at different intervals.
I would not adopt two individuals at one time though I would give the first one time to settle before introducing number two.




This is my gang

Mikey T

this is entirely variable it stongly depends on the age and health of the dog, and the extent of the of the infection. Generally a few worms is not going to cause any long term damage. if there is damage it can general be heard by a vet listening to the dogs breathing (pulminary artery is a prime spot for worms and the heart.

American Heartworm Society FAQ's




It is probably personal prefference I don't know of any studies suggestion one is better than the other but personnal I never like take two dogs at the same time. I think the potential for creating problem that are not solvable is much greater.


Come up with a profile of what the idea dog is to you. Isd color and marking imporant, activity level, compatibility with other non-dog species i.e cats, small children. a non barker etc. an stick to ideal it is better to wait for the right dog instead of taking on the heartbreaking story and find the is not just right for your situation General dogs in rescue come with some sort of issue , the perfect dog is rare you need to decided what types of issue you can and can not handle. i.e. excessive shyness unlike a puppy an adult dog is what it is you can help somewhat around the edges but you can not mold the dog like you can a puppy so it is critical that the dog is compatible with you and your lifes style because if not the odd of making it work are slim to none.

1 would agree. it is rare that even adult dogs are truely housetrained in a new setting. They certainly learn more quickly than a puppy but it is best to assume they are not housetrain until they prove otherwise. Being home makes this sa much easier process. The only caveate is you must guard against creating a dog that is too clingy and more likely to suffer seperation anxiety when you eventual go back to working. See Seperation Anxiety

Wworm

What nice looking hounds!!! that's so good that you took them all in, looks like they enjoy being in your gang

roscolaylamommy

Have you looked into Michigan Basset Rescue? Michigan Basset Rescue - Home of the Original Basset Waddle It's located in Southeastern MI and that would be about the same distance as GABR. We have three hounds, 2 rescued and one adopted as a puppy. We brought each of our rescues in one at a time so they would have time to adjust. You might let the rescue organizations around know what your looking for in case they come across dogs like your looking for (They might take them in knowing they already have a home lined up for them). If you're going to bring two dogs in at once, I would recommend a bonded pair since you won't have to worry so much about them adjusting to each other. Also talk to the people at the rescue, they would be able to give you tips on taking home two dogs, as they are constantly bringing in new dogs all the time. Good luck! And post lots of pictures when you find your hounds!!

mhvonalmen8908

I don't have any answers for the rescue questions but I just wanted to say how great it is that you're willing to take in one or even two rescues! I think what someone said about just looking until one speaks to you is a good idea. Good luck and please post pictures of the hounds when you find them!

__________________
Megan & Chris
-Mom & Dad to Doppler (2 year old Basset/Redbone/Golden mix) and Virga (1 year old Basset)

schiappab

You might want to consider Bluegrass Basset Rescue in Hopkinsville, KY which is straight down rte. 65 from Louisville, not that far from you. Bluegrass Basset Rescue has a website and is on facebook. Good luck!

Simone's Mom

I adopted 3 y.o. male Basset from GABR, they are a great group but I picked the wrong dog. He was rescued from a breeder, had been treated poorly, untreated heart worm and leg fracture. He was quiet, well behaved, a good dog until he suddenly attacked my 15 y.o. granddaughter six weeks after we adopted him. He suddenly ran in from another room, chasing & biting her multiple times, did not stop until my son subdued him. This was unprovoked, shocking, still cannot figure out why it happened. I returned him to GABR, he was evaluated by a behaviorist and re-fostered, they found no aggression and put up for adoption again a few months ago.

I decided to try rescue again a few months later but through a Doberman/Rott rescue group. I went to pick up a pug and came home with a Basset. The adoption coordinator said it was a shame we had a bad Basset experience because she had the sweetest little Basset that no one wanted. She had been family raised with a 10 year old child and much loved but her owner died. She was fostered with a family, dogs, cats, and two autistic children and loved everyone. We have had Simone for 5 months now, she's 18 months old. We love her like crazy and she is the sweetest, funniest dog I've ever seen. The nice things about an older dog is half the work is already done! She sleeps through the night, crate trained, potty trained, full grown-no surprise in size.

I should have realized a breeding stud that did not even have basic health care was probably not socialized well and not a good fit for our family. I should have waited longer for the right dog. It's easy to fall in love with a dog and feel sorry for them, to want to give them love and a good home but it is important to understand their history. Good luck, rescue can turn out great if you get the right dog.